9:40 PM: We’re now getting a clearer view of the terrain in PA-SEN. And the upshot seems to be that Specter racked up a good margin in Philadelphia. But Sestak is doing well enough pretty much everywhere else that he’s looking like the winner. Way to early to call it. But that’s how it’s looking at this moment.
9:55 PM: Judy Miller resurfaces as elections commentator on Fox. Huh.
9:57 PM: As I noted earlier, remember that in the Arkansas Senate primary Blanche Lincoln’s real opponent isn’t so much Bill Halter as it 50%+. And right now she’s a few points shy.
10:00 PM: Sestak ahead of Specter by 2 with 40% of the vote in.
10:03 PM: And now it’s 4 points.
10:04 PM: The margin is still close with less than 50% of the votes in. But if you look at the map, it doesn’t seem like Specter has enough places left to find the votes to catch up. Too much of the vote has already come in in Philly. And Sestak’s doing well in Pittsburgh area.
10:09 PM: Now that the PA-SEN race seems pretty clear, check out PA-12, down at the bottom of our scoreboard. That’s Jack Murtha’s old district. About a third of the vote in, and the Dem Critz is kicking the Republicans butt. Now, a lot of the Republicans’ big areas haven’t reported in yet. But that’s a big margin. And if the Dems can hold on to that seat — which is a classic swing district (went for Kerry, went for McCain) with a cultural tinge that should be difficult for Dems this year — that’s going to be a big deal.
